A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello until October 30.
The decision was made by Justice Emeka Nwite as Bello pursues an appeal in the Supreme Court against an arrest warrant issued by the trial court on April 17.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Bello with 19 counts of money laundering.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Bello’s lawyer, A.M. Adoyi, emphasized that the ongoing arraignment is already part of an appeal pending in the Supreme Court.
He referenced an affidavit submitted on September 23, urging the court to wait for the Supreme Court’s decision to avoid undermining the appeal.
In contrast, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro accused Bello’s legal team of using the court for entertainment.
Pinheiro noted that the Court of Appeal had dismissed a previous challenge by Bello regarding the service of the charges, affirming the legitimacy of the service and stating that he could not proceed until he presents himself.
On September 18, Bello reported to the EFCC, accompanied by his successor, Gov. Usman Ododo.
However, the EFCC reportedly did not detain him for questioning. Following this, there were claims that EFCC operatives attempted to arrest Bello at the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja.
Addressing the court regarding Bello’s applications to revoke the arrest warrant, Pinheiro urged the judge to assert authority against what he described as multiple overlapping applications from Bello’s legal team.
Adoyi countered, insisting that the central issue of the arraignment is still under Supreme Court review and that waiting for the court’s decision serves the interest of justice.
Consequently, Justice Nwite decided to adjourn the case to October 30 to further evaluate the issues raised.
